AMA to push wider use of relative values

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a policy promoting resource-based relative value systems (RBRVS) for assessing physician reimbursement by insurance companies. The AMA board will determine how the policy will be implemented and address opponents concerns over perceived shortcomings in the RBRVS system. Medicare's RBRVS is felt to be flawed because of its billing limits and conversion factor. The AMA version would not limit physicians to a standard fee and would allow them to determine their own conversion factors.

Management, Usage, American Medical Association, Relative value scale payment systems (Medical care)

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Playing it safe

Article Abstract:

Gifts, living trusts, state exemptions and offshore trusts discourage others from initiating malpractice suits against physicians by making it difficult for others to access their wealth. However, 'fraudulent conveyance statutes' ban the transfer of assets to avoid paying creditors. Therefore, any asset-protection strategy should meet other financial goals, and be initiated before a suit is threatened or filed.

Methods, Prevention, Financial management, Frivolous suits (Civil procedure)

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Lower balance-billing limit makes participation attractive

Article Abstract:

Physicians must notify Medicare by Dec 31, 1992, to be participating (PAR) Medicare physicians for 1993. Becoming a PAR physician is more appealing for 1993 than past years because Medicare has lowered the balance-billing limit from 120% of the Medicare-approved charge to 115%. A number of factors are presented to help physicians evaluate whether or not they would benefit by becoming a PAR physician.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Admin. of social & manpower programs, Evaluation, Laws, regulations and rules, Medicare, Prospective payment systems (Medical care)

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